Media Alert: Potentially Critical Blood Supply Shortage In New York

Albany, June 25, 2001 – Citing concerns for a potentially critical blood supply shortage in New York, State Health Commissioner Antonia C. Novello, M.D., M.P.H. Dr.P.H. will kickoff the State Health Department's Blood Drive at the American Red Cross blood donor room in the Empire State Plaza on Tuesday, June 26. Dr. Novello urges other eligible New Yorkers to donate this month to help save lives and to avoid critical shortages of type O and B blood supplies. An estimated sixty percent of New Yorkers are eligible to be blood donors, but approximately four percent donate annually in the United States.

Who:

State Health Commissioner Antonia C. Novello, M.D., M.P.H., Dr.P.H.

What:

State Health Department blood drive to help increase public awareness to the critical need for volunteer blood donors statewide.

According to the American Red Cross and other blood bank centers in New York, new blood donors are needed to keep pace with increasing demands for blood components, particularly with the Fourth of July holiday approaching. If not addressed, blood shortages can eventually result in canceled elective surgeries and emergency room closures in hospitals.